Located only minutes from the Historical Graz City Center, the structure of Design Hotel - Augartenhotel, dominated by glass planes and external stairs, appear as a sculptural solidity in the urban situation.

With its strong steel framework and transparent flow, in contrast to the exterior plaster facades surrounding it, the Augartenhotel building is right in tune with the wave of modern buildings sweeping through Graz.

Augratenhotel entrance. Photo: arcspace

Works from 70 different contemporary painters and sculptors are displayed throughout the hotel, and on the rooftop terrace. Art welcomes you the moment you enter the streamlined lobby with the reception desk and open bar....no space is overlooked as a creative venue.

Augartenhotel reception. Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Photo:arcspace

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Frank Stella sculpture and Merlin Carpenter painting.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Fritz Panzer painting by the stairway.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Hubert Scheibl painting by the stairway.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Martin Schnur painting by the stairway.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Elke Krytufek painting by the stairway.

Rooms and apartments feature original artwork and modern minimalist furniture in light shades of grey and off-white, with accents of bright colors. Most rooms have balconies or terraces, some have a small kitchen niche and refrigerator. The end rooms on each level have windows on two walls.

A mural by Gunter Damisch and rainbow colored "Supra sofas" of high tech foam, designed by Andreas Thaler, surround the indoor pool. During the summer months the same chairs are used on the exterior terrace.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

The rooftop terrace, with views towards Schlossberg, features sculptures by several artists and furnishing by Andreas Thaler.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Red Bull Man by HA Schult.

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Photo: arcspace

The hotel Magnolia restaurant, recently named the best restaurant in Graz, serves a modern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish and vegetables produced in the region. Apartments for long-term guests are located above the restaurant. The blue fountain is by artist Matta West.

Photo: arcspace

Photo: arcspace

Photo courtesy Augartenhotel

Blue Fountain sculpture by Matta West.

Facilities also include a sauna and fitness center, as well as a breakfast room and three meeting rooms. Sophisticated and friendly, with a great staff, the Augarten Hotel is a "must" for anybody visiting Graz.